CHENNAI: The one-man commission headed by A Arumughaswamy, a retired judge of the Madras High Court, to inquire into the death of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, assumed charge on Friday.
He issued a formal notification for filing of sworn-affidavits, with documents, containing information on the death of Jayalalithaa by November 22.
The Commission, located at Kalas Mahal at Chepauk, is likely to commence its formal inquiry in a few days. The State government has requested him to submit the inquiry report within three months.
“Those who have personal knowledge about the death of the late Chief Minister and those who are connected with the issue, can furnish the information either in person or by post on or before November 22. The information should be furnished with two copies along with necessary documents,” said the notification.
On August 17, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced that a commission would be constituted to inquire into the death of the former Chief Minister. This announcement was seen as a move to fulfil a key demand of the then AIADMK faction led by O Panneerselvam for merging with the faction led by Palaniswami.
Following this, the two factions merged on August 21 and Panneerselvam became the Deputy Chief Minister. However, the inquiry commission was constituted more than a month later- on September 25- and the terms of reference of the commission were issued on September 27.
“The commission should inquire into the circumstances and situation leading to the hospitalisation of Jayalalithaa on September 22 and subsequent treatment provided till her unfortunate demise on December 5, 2016,” the terms of reference said.
Answering mediapersons queries, Justice Arumughaswamy said the inquiry would be conducted in a transparent manner. Asked whether the probe would be completed within two months, he said: “It can be done with your co-operation.”